Two years ago, Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke gathered the team’s brass at Spago, the flagship Wolfgang Puck restaurant, for a final meeting about a radical decision that could change the franchise’s future.

The scene was quintessential Los Angeles; pop star Fergie and actor Josh Duhamel sat nearby. And there was a young, up-and-coming star who joined the Rams’ party: a 30-year-old named Sean McVay. The dinner was his final interview to be the team’s head coach.